This type of accident represents a danger to family safety.
Electric power strip are very useful devices in the home, as they increase the number of sockets and allow several appliances to be powered at the same time. However, improper use can pose risks, such as fire. Although they are designed to facilitate the distribution of electricity, it is crucial to know in which areas of the house their use is not safe.
One of the most critical places to use them is the kitchen, especially near high-powered appliances such as ovens, microwaves, toasters or coffee makers. These appliances consume large amounts of energy, and connecting them to a power strip can cause overloads that lead to overheating, increasing the risk of a serious accident. In addition, kitchens tend to be more humid environments, which increases the likelihood of a short circuit or electrical failure. For this reason, you should never connect these types of plugs near heat sources or in areas where there is a risk of contact with liquids.
Another place where these devices should not be used is in corridors. Although in some homes they may seem a practical option for bringing electricity to other rooms, these are not suitable spaces for their use, as they are exposed to knocks or can be accidentally stepped on, which can damage the cables or cause a short circuit.
Likewise, if the power strip is in a frequently used area, the likelihood of objects falling on it increases, causing a spark or even a fire.
The bedroom is another space where the use of power strips should be avoided. It is common for devices such as lamps, mobile phone chargers or small appliances such as fans to be connected in this area. However, in an environment where people spend a lot of time, especially during breaks, the risk of fire is greater. Incorrectly placed power strips or those with damaged cables can also pose a danger in a closed room.
In addition to these spaces, it is important to bear in mind the use of power strips in damp areas, such as bathrooms. Although some power strips are designed to be resistant to moisture, it is safest to avoid their use in these environments due to the high risk of electrocution. Contact with water considerably increases the possibility of a short circuit, which poses an immediate danger to the occupants. In these cases, it is preferable to use power strips or extension leads specifically designed to withstand damp conditions.
Garages and storage areas are also not recommended for using these connectors, especially if flammable or combustible products are stored. In these spaces, where power tools and machinery that require high electricity consumption are used, power strips are not designed to withstand such a high load on a continuous basis.
When organizing and distributing electrical appliances in the house, safety should always be the priority. To do this, it is necessary to use quality power strips, not to overload their circuits and to keep them away from critical areas such as the kitchen, corridors, bedroom, bathroom and garage. By following these precautions, the risk of accidents is considerably reduced, guaranteeing the protection of all inhabitants.
